Police are investigating after a Detroit synagogue board president was found dead outside her home early Saturday, reports the Detroit News. The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue announced the death of synagogue Board President Samantha Woll. "We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President. At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. ...May her memory be a blessing," synagogue officials said on Facebook. Detroit police were called regarding someone "lying on the ground unresponsive." Investigators found multiple stab wounds to the victim's body and medics pronounced the victim dead on the scene.
Officers followed a trail of blood leading to the victim’s home, the location that investigators believe the homicide took place, police said. "The investigation into the death of Ms. Woll remains ongoing. At this time, however, no evidence has surfaced suggesting that this crime was motivated by antisemitism," said Police Chief James White. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said she was "shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder. Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.” U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said Woll had helped lead her office during her first full term. "She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents. Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness," Slotkin wrote.